PawSox Bats Silenced Again By Bisons
PAWTUCKET- Unfortunately it’s more of the same for the Pawtucket Red Sox.
The PawSox offense once again put together a lackluster performance, getting only two hits in falling to the Buffalo Bisons 1-0 tonight at McCoy. It’s Pawtucket’s sixth loss in their last seven games and the third straight game the PawSox have collected three hits or less. Pawtucket has scored only one run in its last 31 innings.
The PawSox had a chance to pull out the game in the bottom of the ninth, loading the bases with two outs before RF Bubba Bell struck out to end the game.
“We all know we’re not hitting the ball. We all know we’re not scoring” said PawSox manager Ron Johnson, “It’s not for lack of effort.”
PawSox starter Enrique Gonzalez (7-8) was the tough luck loser in his first start since coming off the disabled list. He worked 8 innings giving up 7 hits while striking out four and walking no one. He threw 96 pitches, 64 for strikes.
“I’ve got to put that up with probably his finest outing of the year” said Johnson of Gonzalez’ performance. “He threw strikes, changed speeds, threw breaking balls for strikes. That’s what we’re looking for.”
The story of the night was the pitching performance by Bisons starter Tobi Stoner (2-2). Making his fifth Triple A start, Stoner worked seven innings, giving up only one hit. He walked two and struck out three. Stoner retired 20 of the last 21 batters he faced.
Former PawSox hurler Kyle Snyder pitched the last two innings for Buffalo to pick-up the save.
The lone Buffalo run came in the top of the fourth on back-to-back doubles by 1B Mike Lamb and 3B Javier Castillo.
Lamb, LF Jesus Feliciano, and SS Wilson Valdez each had two hits for Buffalo. Paul McAnulty and Chris Carter collected the two PawSox hits.
The PawSox will open up a two game series tomorrow night (6:05pm) at McCoy as the Syracuse Chiefs come to town in the last series before the All-Star break. Shairon Martis (1-0, 1.50 ERA) starts for Syracuse. Charlie Zink (4-8, 4,64 ERA) throws for the PawSox.
